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London - On 5 June 2018, Heathrow Airport received approval from the UK Government for the construction of a third runway at its airport in Longford, England, outlined in the latest Airports National Policy statement tabled today by Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP. The proposed £14bn private investment is projected to create approximately 60,000 new jobs and double Heathrow’s cargo capacity, generating up to £74bn in economic benefits.

BAB welcomes the UK Government’s support of Heathrow’s case for a third runway, through which it can maintain its position as the UK’s only Hub airport and the largest port by value to markets outside the EU and Switzerland. The UK’s airports are critical in maintaining our connection with the world, both for business and tourism.

BAB has long been a vocal supporter of Heathrow’s case for expansion, outlining in its 2018 Policy Agenda its necessity as part of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy as a driver for growth. Heathrow plays an essential role in the success and future of the UK-US economic relationship, which is worth over a trillion dollars in Foreign Director Investment (FDI) and over £160 billion in trade annually. Every month thousands of travellers from North America land in Heathrow. 87% of American business visitors repeatedly travel to the UK bringing substantial business with them.

Duncan Edwards, CEO, BritishAmerican Business said:

“Heathrow’s expansion comes at a critical juncture in Britain’s future. As the UK negotiates its future relationship with the European Union, and begins to redefine its position on the world stage, the approval of these plans deliver the message that Britain is open for business. We are delighted to that the Government, too, sees the value in Heathrow’s expansion and echo the Secretary of State for Transport’s vision “to build a Britain that is fit for the future.”

BAB hopes that the UK’s MPs will look to these plans with the same ambition and optimism that we do, and approve the National Policy Statement in a timely manner to ensure Britain, and the world, isn’t kept waiting.”

The UK Department for International Trade is the international commercial arm of the UK government. DIT USA is tasked with assisting US companies expanding to or within the UK, and with UK companies entering the US market. The Atlanta/Miami post covers Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Atlanta has an opportunity for a self-motivated individual to gain valuable, real world experience assisting the Financial and Professional Services team as an intern.

Even an Atlanta snowstorm couldn’t stop us from celebrating! Our fabulous Christmas luncheon included a traditional feast that included crackers, turkey with trimmings and Christmas pudding!

While the snowstorm kept some folks away, over 50 members and guests of the British-American Business Group attended this year’s festivities at the City Club of Buckhead, which is our home base for Board Meetings and other business events. There is no better place to meet and greet clients and friends of the British-American Business Council than the City Club of Buckhead located in the landmark Atlanta Financial Center.

During this event, BABC President Bruce Cotterman reiterated the importance of BABC-GA as the UK continues to grapple with the impact of the Brexit vote. He also spoke about the exciting things the Events Committee is working on for 2018.

Congratulations to new member John Little on his winning of 2 round trip tickets to London on Virgin Atlantic! Thank you, as always, to Virgin Atlantic for their ongoing support of the BABC.

During the festivities and tremendous meal, acquaintances and business relationships were furthered with both current and potential clients. We also added to our ranks with new members joining see below:

The second annual India vs. U.K. Cricket Cup match between the British American Business Council (BABC) and the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) was played at Oglethorpe University’s soccer field on Sunday, November 12, 2017.

The two teams’ players donning official uniforms (BABC in orange color) and (GIACC in blue), flanked by two West Indian umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, posed for group photographs and introductions by their respective captains. Despite very cold and cloudy weather, the match began promptly at 12:30 pm when India’s opening pair of Rohan and Rishi walked to the crease. West Indian cricket commentator Enos Phillips (from Guyana) engaged the spectators with his fluent, crisp, and often amusing ball by ball commentary. India team made a slow start but later increased the pace with a flurry of shots by Rohan Dabir who scored 22 runs off 22 balls. But runs came slowly in just ones and twos. Due to drizzle, play stopped after six overs when India was 64/1. The players and spectators used the break to enjoy snacks and hot coffee/tea. Due to weather and time constraint, it was decided to play 14 instead of 20 overs match. Rishi retired after scoring 13. And Gautam stepped in. He hit a few crisp drives but got out for 19. Ketan, Tanmay, Sapan, Ashish, and Jinish batted but none could score against England team's bowlers Farrakh, Tom, Adeel, Andi, and Gordon. Three batsmen retired. England threw away 29 runs in extras! GIACC closed its innings at 109/3.

BABC opened their batting turn with Jagdish and Andy. The start was even slower than GIACC’s. Ramu got an early wicket of Jagdish. Rohan bowled Andy. Captain Carl got out for a naught. Wickets fell at brief intervals and BABC were 50/4 after 8 overs. But Guy walked in and blasted a flurry of shots all over the field. He hit three huge sixes and four fours! He was severe on Gautam taking 16 runs off his over! There was nail-biting suspense as BABC edged near century mark. But Guy fell in the final 14th over when he was 54. BABC could score only 96/7. But it was an exciting finish compared to last year's match. For GIACC, Rohan took two wickets for 13 runs, and Ramu got two wickets, including Guy's for 21 runs.

After the match, all headed for the Hearst Hall for Reception and Awards Ceremony. GIACC President Mark Pierson declared it a fantastic match to watch, despite the weather. “We got it done! We had a great time and a great reception.” He thanked the sponsors. Title sponsor Atul Deshmukh (Captain, GIACC), of KNAV, an international assurance and accounting practice, thanked British Consul General in Atlanta, Hon. Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford for gracing the reception and BABC for being a great partner. The Consul General of India could not attend, but it was good to have Bikash Kumar from the Consulate on the team!

Anita Ninan, international business attorney with Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP and a GIACC Board member, had arranged for the reception with Indian and British food and beverages. The Arnall Golden Gregory law firm partners with BABC in helping UK companies and Indian companies coming into the USA. “What better community camaraderie than cricket,” she said, “that unites both India and the United Kingdom."

For the second year Future Tech sponsored the elegant uniforms for the BABC team. Its Director Anj Balusu said that Future Tech has been in Atlanta 20 years, and supporting cricket for more than a decade. Future Tech is an IT and outsourcing Company with $100 million in revenues and over 1,000 employees. It also supports other deserving causes.

BABC Captain Carl Newton presented the quintessential cricket shirt for the BABC to British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. BABC President Bruce Cotterman commended the organizers of the match, which he said was phenomenal. “We brought the English weather with us,” he quipped. “It was a fabulous match, second year, and we will be looking forward to the third year. Both teams—great job. The food was delicious. Watch out next year! (Laughter) Thank you.” Bruce presented a plaque to British Consul General for his help and participation. Hon. Jeremy said that two years ago, he, Mark, and Nagesh Singh came up with the idea of a cricket match between BABC and GIACC. "I enjoyed the match and also to see that the British team is on an upward trajectory. We were only 13 runs away from victory. We will thrash you next year! (Laughter). Next year, maybe a match in spring."

BABC Captain Carl said that there is lot of work involved in organizing the match and he commended everyone for their help. “Congratulations to GIACC. Well played." Mark thanked Amber Mehta, Practice Director of International Assurance and Accounting Advisory at KNAV International, and also the Treasurer of GIACC, for the proactive role he played in organizing the event, and also complimented Exec. Dir. of BABC, Lindsay McCabe, for helping with the logo on the BABC shirt.

GIACC's Captain Atul praised the performance of BABC team, especially batsman Guy. "Great show. Fantastic bowling. Good fielding, too. We look forward to maybe two games—one in spring and one in fall."

Pierson then recognized and thanked the two umpires, Oral Simpson and Conrad Rogers, and Commentator Enos Phillips. Tanmay helped out as a score-keeper. Media was represented by Mahadev Desai and Anjali Chhabria from TVAsia.

While Conrad announced the names of the awardees, British Consul General Jeremy presented the trophies:Best Batsman: Guy Goosen
Best Bowler: RamuMan of the Match: Rohan graciously invited Guy to join him on stage while receiving his award.
Finally all cheered and clapped enthusiastically as GIACC Captain Atul was presented the Winning Team trophy.

Both teams along with coaches and umpires posing with British Consul General Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford. (Photo: Arpit Padhiar)

We support efforts that strengthen the vital UK-US economic relationship

The UK-US economic relationship is one of the most comprehensive and successful in the world. It drives innovation, jobs and growth in both countries. We welcome efforts by UK and US Governments to strengthen that relationship. Having been a key promoter of transatlantic economic integration in the past; we will support initiatives that help to foster this vital relationship in the future.

We welcome the creation of the UK-US Working Group on Trade and Investment and the exploration of a potential future UK-US Free Trade Agreement

We welcome the creation of the UK-US Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI) and the sustained momentum it has received since it was first announced. We stand ready to provide a business stakeholder engagement platform into the dialogue, so government can hear directly the views of businesses in different sectors that trade and investment across the Atlantic every day on UK-US market access issues and the scope of a future US-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

There is much scope to bring the UK-US economies closer together ahead of an FTA

There is much scope to bring the UK-US economies closer together ahead of a FTA. The ‘Moving Forward’ Paper published in April 2017 by BritishAmerican Business, which includes the London and New York Chapters of the network, outlined ten areas that transatlantic businesses see as a starting point for further UK-US economic collaboration, which can be tackled ahead of FTA talks and which can help set the objectives for a future US-UK FTA. We welcome the US and UK Governments efforts to work on those and congratulate both Governments to the recent positive announcement of a US-UK collaboration agreement in science.

The discussion on a future UK-US FTA must be held in context of ongoing Brexit talks and with view to create a strong and integrated transatlantic economy

We strongly advocate for the UK-US FTA discussion to take place in the context of the Brexit talks and the aim to create and sustain a strong transatlantic economy; and with that the ongoing economic integration of the US and the EU. Our members value the transatlantic relationship as a source of innovation and growth. A future US-UK FTA must therefore be part of a triangular thinking that ensures that the UK, EU and the US are together part of an integrated transatlantic economy.

The transatlantic business community remains committed to a strong UK that provides the best possible access to the EU

In a survey conducted by BritishAmerican Busienss, which incorporates the BABC chapters in London and New York, pre-referendum, 95% of transatlantic businesses who responded wished for the UK to remain part of the EU. It is with that mandate that we advocate for a for a negotiation outcome that best serves both the UK and the EU economies, its citizens and our members; many who operate daily across borders. We are committed to a strong UK that provides the best possible access to the EU.

We welcome proactive UK Government stakeholder engagement

We welcome the increase the proactive engagement UK Government shows at a senior level and opportunities to present our members’ concerns and priorities. As negotiations continue, it is important to keep lines of communications open and demonstrate that Government is taking business views into account.

We have serious concern about a lack of progress on critical business issues

Although the risk of a ‘cliff-edge’ scenario has decreased, and positive developments made on a transition period, we remain concerned about the lack of progress made in negotiations and continued lack of solutions in difficult areas that matter to business. As negotiations approach the March 2019 deadline, the largest areas of concern remain the decision over a transition period and its length, and the overall lack of clarity about the kind of economic integration the UK wants to build with the EU post-Brexit.

Brexit is already impacting investment decisions

The UK’s decision to leave the EU and the uncertainty around its future relationship with the EU has already used up substantial human and economic capital for businesses trying to mitigate its effects. The continuing uncertainty over the UK’s future attractiveness as a destination for business is already impacting our members decisions to invest in UK operations. The prospect of additional financial costs, administrative burdens, increase in supply chain times and restrictions on accessing foreign talent is causing companies to either move or hold back investment.

Key concerns for transatlantic businesses

Key concerns for businesses in the transatlantic community in the Brexit negotiations include:

·The economic impact of a customs border between the UK and the EU

·The economic impact of a growing regulatory divergence between the UK and the EU.

·The economic impact of the reduced ability to attract talent, short-term and long-term.

·The economic impact of potential divergence from the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK an unclear participation of the UK in transatlantic data flows frameworks (‘Privacy Shield’)

Four years ago, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed reopened the city’s Office of International Affairs. Since then, it has been a pleasure working with all of you and supporting your activities throughout our city.

During the last twelve months, our office welcomed more than 70 international delegations, supported seven missions to overseas markets and promoted trade and investment activities across the region. We couldn’t have been able to accomplish this work without you. Please accept our deepest gratitude for your help and support.

BABC-Georgia welcomes the UK Government’s proposals for a future customs relationship with the EU as well as its aim to explore a model for an interim period that offers frictionless trade across the borders and helps avoid a “cliff edge scenario”.

Minimizing any disruption to business through an agreed transition period and providing clarity on the future trading relationship with the EU as early as possible have been a key ask by the transatlantic business community, which includes major American investors and leading British firms.

Both options presented, however, are still likely to increase the burden for businesses who trade between the UK and the EU. We therefore continue to advocate for a model that is as close as possible to existing arrangements. This will be essential in maintaining the United Kingdom’s status as a desired trade and investment partner.

Our businesses are looking forward to continuing its strong engagement with the UK Government on achieving this aim.

The next UK Government is charged to deliver one of the greatest political and legislative challenges of our time: Defining a new relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).

Our network represents 22 chapters in major cities throughout the US, UK and Canada, including major British and leading American firms, the latter accounting for the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the UK. The majority of transatlantic businesses wished to see the UK remain a part of the EU – the world’s largest trading block. Transatlantic business therefore has a huge stake in the outcome of Brexit negotiations. In the light of the British people’s decision we are committed to help building a fair, competitive and global Britain, in partnership with the EU and other countries in the world.

Delivering clarity on Brexit negotiations

To ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to live, work and invest in, it is imperative that the new UK Government delivers clarity as to when and how it wants to proceed with the Brexit negotiations. Any outcome of the negotiations needs to ensure that it supports British business' trade in goods, services and data flows, secures US investment and investment-related jobs in the UK and creates the conditions that promotes the UK as an attractive destination for investment going forward.

The BABC appreciates the previous UK Government and Departments efforts in addressing our transatlantic business’ concerns and priorities. Now, with the first negotiation round in sight, we urge the new Government to show its promised openness to find practical, reasonable solutions to the complexity of issues that Brexit entails, and sufficient time for businesses to adjust. Our overall call for the new UK Government remains that the period of uncertainty needs to be as short as possible.

Ensuring a strong and sturdy UK economy now and post-Brexit

A strong UK economy is important for business, workers and consumers; and it is a crucial factor in ensuring a strong role for the UK during the negotiations with the EU.

The next Government’s objective needs to create an even more competitive business environment, particularly through a smart and encouraging tax system, investment in infrastructure, an immigration system that allows our companies to attract the skilled talent they need, and a focus on trade and investment and the delivery of a comprehensive Industrial Strategy, among others.

US-UK Economic Relationship as a source of strength and opportunity

The UK-US economic relationship stands for unparalleled business ties across the Atlantic. The US is the number one export destination for the majority of UK regions and nations. UK firms continue to grow and expand into the US. US firms employ more than one million workers in the UK.

There has never been a better opportunity to relaunch and strengthen the UK-US economic relationship as a source of strength and opportunity. We are excited about the shared commitment expressed by the political leaders to explore future options of further economic integration.

Even during the complex Brexit negotiations, much can be done to offer more opportunities for UK and US firms in each other’s markets. We encourage the next UK Government to continue efforts to open a formal dialogue on the future of the UK-US trade and investment relationship; meant to provide short- and mid-term options that can help to foster UK-US trade in goods and services, too deepen investment, and to explore options for formal trade arrangements in the future that can work in partnership with the EU and other countries.